erest groups in a democracy.ö We see in DayÆs (1990) study that group representation and political power are inextricably linked, whether it is the influence over government of powerful lobbyists like the pharmaceutical industry or the influence seniors, the largest voting demographic, wield over the political process.
Historically, senior organizations have evolved from ôàan ill-defined sector with few common political interestsö at the turn of the twentieth century to todayÆs ôàwell-organized sector of major importance with the aging policy system,ö (Day, 1990, p. 15). Like most groups in social organization history, seniors initially depended on aid from families, charities, the church and other limited and local assistance to have their needs met. The increasing industrialization of American society wrought a greater independence in seniors but also minimized the ability of individuals and private organizations in meeting their needs. Pressures on seniors and those unable to meet their needs eventually led to the old-age pension movement that came just prior to the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935, (Day, 1990).
The Great Depression also precipitated greater needs among seniors and greater pressure on organizations at all levels of government and private institutions to meet those needs. Organizations like the American Association for Old Age Security (AAOAS), the American Association for Labor Legislation (AALL), and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles established representation of seniors. However, Day (1990, p. 20) makes a distinction about the popularity of social welfare and the view of seniors during this era that is different than todayÆs, ôIn the years preceding enactment of Social Security, the elderly emerged as a legitimate and popular æwelfare group,Æ in part because people realized that they would all eventually reap the benefits.ö
For decades after the passage of Social Securit...